A guide to the export and import of cultural goods between Russia ...

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Malta
Which customs authorities are empowered to deal with the export of cultural goods?
The Customs Economic Procedures Unit (CEPU) deals with the export of cultural goods.
What other paperwork do I need to export a cultural object?
When you leave Malta, you must show written authorisation from the Superintendence of
Cultural Heritage. This may take the form of an endorsed stamp, a letter of authorisation,
or Customs Export Declaration, related invoices and export licence.
The packers must give notice to the customs authorities of the export of cultural goods so
that an inspection can be made if required.
When you enter Russia, you must show all the relevant documentation and declare the object
at customs, passing through the Red channel. See Chapter 4 for further information.
What are the penalties if I do something wrong?
These are set out in the Cultural Heritage Act – a breach of the Act is a criminal offence
and the penalties include fines and imprisonment.
Are there any special export restrictions on certain objects or other considerations I should
know about?
The Cultural Heritage Act gives special powers to the State in terms of a “right of preference”
to purchase certain cultural goods. If an application is made for export (also for sale,
exchange and other cultural goods transactions), the Superintendent has the right, with the
approval of the Minister in consultation with the Committee of Guarantee (an expert committee
set up under the Act), to purchase the goods and take priority over other buyers. This
right of preference can be exercised up to two months after an export application is made.
What are the requirements if I want to import cultural goods into Malta from Russia?
Cultural goods which are imported into Malta are brought to the attention of the Superintendence,
for the purposes of evaluation, at the Customs Department. A Certificate is
issued by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. Cultural goods carry a zero rate of
duty on importation. If there is a suspicion that the goods have been illicitly exported
from outside the EU, customs will withhold the goods and inform the Police for further
investigations.
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